11 Actors Who Got Their Start in Small Roles

Tom Hanks has one of the most impressive careers in Hollywood, but even he started out in small roles few people remember. Before winning two Academy Awards for Best Actor for his work in “Philadelphia” and “Forrest Gump,” Hanks appeared in the 80s series “The Love Boat” and “Taxi” in minor roles. After appearing on “Happy Days” for an episode where he played a former classmate of The Fonz, Hanks caught the eye of then budding director, Ron Howard, who cast him as the lead in the film “Splash.” Hanks also appeared in the sitcom “Family Ties” in a recurring role as Ned Donelly, an alcoholic relative who comes to visit the Keaton family.